Human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, has said he will no longer participate in any street protest that does not attract at least one million Nigerians, citing the danger and lack of public support for protesters in the country.
Adeyanju, who made the statement on his verified Facebook page, lamented that many Nigerians only show online solidarity during protests but abandon activists when violence erupts on the streets.
“Any protest that one million people are not coming out, I will not join,” he wrote. “Nigerians will deceive you online with retweets and leave you alone with bullets on the street. They will then turn around to mock you and say you were only chasing clout or you are even working for the government you oppose.”
The activist, who is the convener of the Concerned Nigerians civil rights movement, said he had decided to stop risking his life in protests but would instead support victims of state repression through financial aid and legal assistance.
“The era of putting my life in danger is over,” Adeyanju stated. “I wish Sowore and others well. The only thing I can offer those arrested or wounded in any protest is financial support or legal services.”
Adeyanju, a vocal critic of political figures and a longstanding advocate for human rights, has participated in several nationwide demonstrations in the past, including those against police brutality and bad governance.
His comments came amid reports that security operatives on Monday fired tear gas and live rounds to disperse protesters demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, in Abuja.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore accused security agents of launching an unprovoked attack on peaceful protesters during the #FreeNnamdiKanu rally.
Speaking on The Morning Brief programme on Channels Television, Sowore said, “They did arrest some people. I heard Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother was arrested and beaten, and his lawyer was also arrested and beaten. They’ve all been taken to the FCT Command.”